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Members Named to The University of Texas Academy of Health Science Education

AUSTIN – Twenty-four educators were honored Wednesday (July 11) for their exceptional contributions to health science education as members of The University of Texas Academy of Health Science Education, an organization of distinguished scholars recognized for their teaching excellence.

The educators were recognized by the UT System Board of Regents at its meeting in Austin. A complete list of members inducted to the academy in 2011 and 2012 may be viewed online.

“Not only have these faculty helped advance the capabilities of future generations of health professionals, they also are helping the UT System fulfill its responsibility of significantly increasing the number of healthcare providers for the state’s growing population,” Regent Robert L. Stillwell said. “And it is for this commitment and dedication that we believe it is especially important to express our gratitude to these outstanding health science educators.” Regent Stillwell chairs the Board’s Health Affairs Committee.

Members of the academy represent a diverse group of educators from the many disciplines in health science education who fulfill the strict criteria set by the academy. Among the criteria on which prospective members are judged include: direct teaching; curriculum development; counseling and mentorship; leadership; and educational scholarship and research.

“These faculty members have demonstrated great expertise and a record of distinguished service. The have shown great dedication for the attainment of excellence, and we believe they will have an overwhelming positive impact on every student with whom they are engaged,” Chancellor Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., said.

In addition to recognizing and supporting excellence in teaching, the academy’s goals include encouraging the development and implementation of innovative education projects, promoting curriculum design and reform, providing financial assistance for innovative educational projects and fostering faculty research.

The academy chooses elite educators each year to carry out the organization’s mission, which is to foster excellence in education in the health sciences by recognizing outstanding educators and advancing knowledge and innovation in the education field.

About The University of Texas System

Educating students, providing care for patients, conducting groundbreaking research and serving the needs of Texans and the nation for more than 130 years, The University of Texas System is one of the largest public university systems in the United States, with nine academic universities and six health science centers. Preliminary student enrollment exceeded 215,000 in the 2011 academic year. The UT System confers more than one-third of the state's undergraduate degrees and educates nearly three-fourths of the state's health care professionals annually. The UT System has an annual operating budget of $13.1 billion (FY 2012) including $2.3 billion in sponsored programs funded by federal, state, local and private sources. With roughly 87,000 employees, the UT System is one of the largest employers in the state.